Local Food Day
Speakers & Entertainers
Lisa Kivirist
Lisa Kivirist directs the Rural Women’s Project, a venture of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) that supports women farmers and food entrepreneurs. Kivirist is co-author, with her husband, John Ivanko, of the award-winning book ECOpreneuring along with Farmstead Chef and Rural Renaissance and runs Inn Serendipity Farm and Bed and Breakfast with her family outside Monroe, Wisconsin, completely powered by renewable energy and considered amongst the “Top Ten Eco-Destinations in North America.”
John Ivanko
John Ivanko is an innkeeper of the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast. Together with his wife, Lisa, John is a national speaker, marketing consultant and co-author of the award-winning ECOpreneuring as well as Rural Renaissance. He is also the co-author for six award-winning multicultural children's books for the Global Fund for Children. As a freelance writer and photographer, John contributes to Urban Farm, Mother Earth News, Natural Home, Hobby Farms, Natural Awakenings and E Magazine, among many others.
Max Kane
founder of FarmMatch.com
At the age of ten Max was debilitated by a life threatening case of Crohn’s disease. Determined to cure himself, Max committed to a raw diet of whole, non-processed foods, sourced from nearby small farms. Today, Max lives in excellent health and is an ardent proponent of farm-to-consumer direct sales and is the founder of FarmMatch.com
At the age of ten Max was debilitated by a life threatening case of Crohn’s disease. Determined to cure himself, Max committed to a raw diet of whole, non-processed foods, sourced from nearby small farms. Today, Max lives in excellent health and is an ardent proponent of farm-to-consumer direct sales and is the founder of FarmMatch.com
Nicole Penick
Food and Farm Program Manager with the Valley Stewardship Network
Nicole Penick has worked for the Valley Stewardship Network since 2009 and was the project coordinator for the startup of the Fifth Season Cooperative and the successful three year gleaning program project. Nicole is passionate about food justice and security, loves farming and working side by side with community members to build a just and sustainable food system.
Nicole Penick has worked for the Valley Stewardship Network since 2009 and was the project coordinator for the startup of the Fifth Season Cooperative and the successful three year gleaning program project. Nicole is passionate about food justice and security, loves farming and working side by side with community members to build a just and sustainable food system.
Teresa Engel
Economic Development Consultant, Buy Local Buy Wisconsin
WI Dept. of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
Teresa has been with the WI Department of Agriculture for the past 4 1/2 years as the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program director. Prior to her work at the department, she worked with the MN Food Association and with the folks at Driftless Organics.
WI Dept. of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
Teresa has been with the WI Department of Agriculture for the past 4 1/2 years as the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program director. Prior to her work at the department, she worked with the MN Food Association and with the folks at Driftless Organics.
Thomas White
Chairman of Integrity Fund
Thomas White is a successful entrepreneur in fields as diverse as technology, consulting, publishing, leadership development and online media is passionate about helping local businesses get started and thrive in support of local self-sufficiency across America.
Thomas White is a successful entrepreneur in fields as diverse as technology, consulting, publishing, leadership development and online media is passionate about helping local businesses get started and thrive in support of local self-sufficiency across America.
Marilyn Volden
Food & Nutrition Program Supervisor
at Viroqua Area School District
Marilyn is the Director of Food & Nutrition Programs for the Viroqua School District. She holds a degree in Community/Medical Dietetics from Viterbo University and has 22 years of experience working in Child Nutrition programs. She has also worked as a Consulting Dietitian and a Viterbo University instructor and student preceptor. Marilyn is an organic dairy farm owner with her husband and extended family.
at Viroqua Area School District
Marilyn is the Director of Food & Nutrition Programs for the Viroqua School District. She holds a degree in Community/Medical Dietetics from Viterbo University and has 22 years of experience working in Child Nutrition programs. She has also worked as a Consulting Dietitian and a Viterbo University instructor and student preceptor. Marilyn is an organic dairy farm owner with her husband and extended family.
Shawna Bohan
Vernon County Farm to School Project Coordinator
Shawna Bohan has more than 15 years experience in management, communications, public relations and marketing and now applies that to her passions – which are healthy kids and great food! Shawna recently moved back to Wisconsin and has a small hobby farm outside of Viola.
Shawna Bohan has more than 15 years experience in management, communications, public relations and marketing and now applies that to her passions – which are healthy kids and great food! Shawna recently moved back to Wisconsin and has a small hobby farm outside of Viola.
Bryce Griffin
Americorps Member
Bryce is a 2011 graduate of Luther College with a degree in Environmental Studies/ Policy. He grew up in Tomah Wisconsin on a small farm and has recently moved to Viroqua to work with Farm to School.
Bryce is a 2011 graduate of Luther College with a degree in Environmental Studies/ Policy. He grew up in Tomah Wisconsin on a small farm and has recently moved to Viroqua to work with Farm to School.
David Teghtmeyer
Owner of Bliss Farm
David owns and operates Bliss Farm with his wife Kristine. They specialize in garlics and mushrooms. David is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and has been cooking locally for ten years.
David owns and operates Bliss Farm with his wife Kristine. They specialize in garlics and mushrooms. David is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and has been cooking locally for ten years.
Kara Slaughter
Government Relations Director
Wisconsin Farmers Union
Kara Slaughter is Government Relations Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. In this capacity, Kara advocates for the interests of farmers and rural residents on issues such as farmland preservation, dairy and commodity policy, competition and antitrust in agriculture markets, farm-based renewable energy, conversation, and access to health care for farm families in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Farmers Union
Kara Slaughter is Government Relations Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. In this capacity, Kara advocates for the interests of farmers and rural residents on issues such as farmland preservation, dairy and commodity policy, competition and antitrust in agriculture markets, farm-based renewable energy, conversation, and access to health care for farm families in Wisconsin.
Bjorn Bergman
Promotions and Education
Viroqua Food Coop
Viroqua Food Coop
Cate Eddy
Owner of Ridgeland Harvest Farm
Ridgeland Harvest
Ridgeland Harvest
Tina King
Tina King works with Just Local Foods as the Warehouse Manager and will be debuting her musical talent for the first time publicly for you all to enjoy!
Jackie Kolenko
Jackie is a local musician, Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School teacher, with a fun loving, community-minded spirit!
Dan Sebranek
www.dansebranek.com
Dan Sebranek is a renowed singer, songwriter and musician who started his musical career at the age of 14 with musical roots in bluegrass and rock and roll. He has shared the stage with Johnsmith, Michael Martin Murphey, Hans Mayer, Bill Miller, John Prine, Perry Jordan (Heartsfield) along with Pure Prairie League. In Dan's early days as a troubadour he performed primarily with the duo, Runaway. Currently Dan is performing solo acoustic music around the world. He performs each year in Ireland bringing the gifts of music and song across the sea (Enchanted Way Tours.com). Dan's tours are close to home in his native State of Wisconsin however he travels to Florida (Siesta Key/Key Largo) and Colorado each year as well.
Dan continues to tour as a solo performer, in musical duo's and in the String Ties Bluegrass Band. He enjoys playing festivals, house concerts and clubs all over North America. Dan won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival award with his band, Northern Hospitality. He performs at the Great River Folk Festival each year located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The Larryfest Bluegrass Festival is a three day music event pioneered by Dan's family. Each year the best musicians and bluegrass bands in the country attend this family festival and sold-out venue.
Dan Sebranek is a renowed singer, songwriter and musician who started his musical career at the age of 14 with musical roots in bluegrass and rock and roll. He has shared the stage with Johnsmith, Michael Martin Murphey, Hans Mayer, Bill Miller, John Prine, Perry Jordan (Heartsfield) along with Pure Prairie League. In Dan's early days as a troubadour he performed primarily with the duo, Runaway. Currently Dan is performing solo acoustic music around the world. He performs each year in Ireland bringing the gifts of music and song across the sea (Enchanted Way Tours.com). Dan's tours are close to home in his native State of Wisconsin however he travels to Florida (Siesta Key/Key Largo) and Colorado each year as well.
Dan continues to tour as a solo performer, in musical duo's and in the String Ties Bluegrass Band. He enjoys playing festivals, house concerts and clubs all over North America. Dan won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival award with his band, Northern Hospitality. He performs at the Great River Folk Festival each year located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The Larryfest Bluegrass Festival is a three day music event pioneered by Dan's family. Each year the best musicians and bluegrass bands in the country attend this family festival and sold-out venue.
More Coming Soon!
